Alamo Drafthouse Founder Returns to Spotlight as New CEO
Cinema-Eatery Concept Creator Tim League Returns to Roots, Looks to Expand Cinema Programming to New Markets

AUSTIN, Texas, June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- The creator of what Texas Monthly has dubbed "the most important film festival in America" announces he is returning to his starring role as CEO of the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema brand, effective immediately. Tim League, founder of the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and mastermind behind the nationally acclaimed Fantastic Fest film festival, will assume brand and creative leadership for the company after a five-year hiatus. He will replace former Alamo Drafthouse CEO John Martin. Martin is transitioning to the role of area developer and plans to continue the expansion of the concept outside of Texas.

Brand expansion has been a key growth strategy for Alamo Drafthouse Cinema since League founded the concept in 1997. Opening as a single-screen theater in downtown Austin, Texas, the company has grown to include nine locations throughout Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Texas and Winchester, Va., for a combined total of 55 screens with an average unit sales volume of $5.8 million per location.

In his new role, League hopes to give more national play to programming events, such as the fantasy, horror and genre-driven film festival, Fantastic Fest. "There is the possibility of expanding programming opportunities and leveraging those events in new markets," he says.

League, 39, sold the company in 2004, but retained ownership and operation of three Alamo Drafthouse locations in Austin. In returning to his role as CEO, he will oversee the programming, creative vision and the next wave of expansion for the company. Currently, Alamo Drafthouse has additional locations under development in San Antonio and Austin and seeks expansion beyond Texas and Virginia.

"The Alamo Drafthouse has a unique operating strategy different from other exhibitors in the market today," League says. "We have a direct relationship with our audiences and demand technical excellence on all levels. I envision the Alamo Drafthouse making a significant change in what it means to go the movies."